UNHCR has been working in Egypt since 1954 after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Egypt. Since then, UNHCR has provided protection services including all aspects of registration, documentation, refugee status determination and resettlement to those who are forcibly displaced.

With major conflicts across its borders, Egypt is a transit and destination country for refugees and asylum seekers. Following the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan, Egypt has become the largest recipient of Sudanese refugees with more than one million people forced to flee. In response to this emergency, UNHCR has expanded its work with the Government of Egypt and partners to register and assist forcibly displaced people arriving in the country. UNHCR is present in various parts of the country, including Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and other governorates delivering lifesaving assistance to those most in need. Furthermore, UNHCR Egypt works towards ensuring the inclusion of refugees in the education and health systems, and promoting their livelihoods and resilience, among many other initiatives.

Most refugees in Egypt live in urban settings across the major cities. UNHCR also supports refugees and asylum-seekers of more than 60 nationalities, including Syrian, South Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Somali, Yemeni, or Iraqi individuals.

* according to the Government of Egypt.